Those who watch Hallmark Christmas movies are definitely familiar with actress Nikki DeLoach. Her acting career has spanned over three decades, starting with her first appearance on Disney's "All-New Mickey Mouse Club" in 1993. She appeared alongside some future famous faces including Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and even "Barbie" star Ryan Gosling. She's been going non-stop ever since, appearing in shows including "North Shore," "Days of Our Lives" and "Awkward." With all of her acting credits, DeLoach holds a special place in the hearts of Hallmark fans.
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She first appeared in the Hallmark movie "Christmas Land" in 2015, playing a businesswoman turned Christmas tree farm owner. Just one year later, she starred alongside Andrew Walker in "A Dream of Christmas." The pair became a match made in heaven and have since gone on to star alongside each other in several Hallmark movies. In a 2023 interview, DeLoach sang the praises of the Hallmark Channel, saying, "This is the only network I've ever worked at in my 30 something years of being in this industry where you truly are family from the top all the way through. There is this true family unit that exists inside of all of us. We're such cheerleaders for the other people [on Hallmark]. We support each other's movies. We want the best for everybody. We're all friends."
While DeLoach started her Hallmark career as a rom-com actress, she's since expanded her repertoire to include producer, writer and actress for Hallmark's Movie and Mystery network. She's been the executive producer for three TV movies: "Reunited at Christmas," "Taking the Reins" and "Family History Movies: Buried Past." The first movie she wrote was fittingly a Christmas movie called "Christmas for Keeps," which debuted on the network in 2021.
Two of her movies, both Hallmark mysteries, have already been released in 2023. Of course, you can't say Nikki DeLoach without thinking of Christmas, and she does have a new film this year that is part of Hallmark's 2023 Countdown to Christmas. "A World Record Christmas" premieres Thursday, Nov. 16, right in time for the holiday season. DeLoach plays Marissa, the mother of an autistic boy determined to build the world's largest Jenga block stack.
Below, we've rounded up everything to know about this beloved TV star, from a peek inside her sweet family life as a mom and a wife to how her longtime friendship with fellow Hallmark star Ashley Williams led to an annual fundraiser for Alzheimer's.
Nikki DeLoach Is a Mom and a Wife
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DeLoach may have plenty of on-screen romances, but her tried-and-true love is her husband, Ryan Goodell. Unlike many Hollywood romances, the pair's relationship seems to have stood the test of time. The two married on Sept. 1, 2009, after dating for nearly a decade. DeLoach met her husband while he was a member of the band Take 5. Fast forward, and the two have welcomed two sons and are still happily married.
In 2015, DeLoach shared a touching tribute to her husband, writing, "Yesterday, six years ago, I married this handsome man. Best life decision ever. Happy Anniversary. I'm in love with this beautiful life we've built together. And after 16 years together (yes ... 16), I'm still in love with you."
DeLoach shared in 2019 that she wasn't a big fan of the dating scene. As she described herself, "I'm definitely a love grows kind of person."
The two welcomed their first son, William "Hudson" in October 2013. Four years later, their second son, Bennett, was born in September 2017. On her 40th birthday, DeLoach shared a tribute to her family, writing, "To my husband, kids, family, friends, and each and every one of you — you are my gift. You are everything. You are what this life is meant to be. I'm so grateful and thankful to walk this earth with you."
DeLoach credits Hallmark for her ability to work and be a present parent. After her son Bennett was diagnosed with several heart defects, DeLoach's priorities immediately changed. She no longer wanted to spend time on the red carpet or weeks and months away from her family. When it came to Hallmark, she shared, "It was perfect because I could work for three weeks and come back, be a mom, and take care of Bennett."
When Bennett was in the midst of surgeries, DeLoach transitioned from acting to writing. She and her partner Megan McNulty worked together to write various projects for the Hallmark Channel.
She Spreads Awareness Through Her Charity Work
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DeLoach's personal experiences have shaped her charity work. She's currently president of the Foundation Board of Trustees for Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. She credits the doctors and hospital staff at CHLA for saving Bennett's life. In utero, her son was diagnosed with multiple congenital heart defects, which have a low survival rate. After his miraculous birth, he endured three different surgeries and may require more as he grows. DeLoach was inspired to give back to the hospital and other parents who may experience medical hardships with their children.
For an October 2022 hospital gala, DeLoach partnered with her childhood friend Timberlake to host a concert that raised over $5.5 million. CHLA is unique in that it's a non-profit that will never turn a child away, regardless of the family's ability to pay.
DeLoach is also a passionate advocate for Alzheimer's research and support after losing her father to Pick's disease. Her father was diagnosed with the rare form of aggressive dementia when he was only 64 years old. DeLoach is an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Association and is the president of Mind What Matters, an organization dedicated to the caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.
The Alzheimer's Association helped DeLoach's mom by enabling her to set up a support group in her church for herself and others.
Her longtime pal and fellow Hallmark star Ashley Williams also lost a parent to dementia. This year, they co-hosted their sixth annual Dance Party To End ALZ, where every dollar raised goes to research grants. Other friends from the network, including Wes Brown and Paul Greene, also participated in this year's event.
Even with the hardships DeLoach has faced, she is grateful for her platform, which allows her to share and spread awareness.
DeLoach also co-founded the website What We Are with her friend Jen Dede. The site description reads: "An online blog community for women of all walks of life to share unfiltered stories and experiences on various issues women face today." The blog has different categories devoted to women's issues and struggles including fertility, motherhood, lifestyle, and health and wellness. Though DeLoach does link to the blog on her Instagram, it appears the most recent update was in 2020.
